Taking a look back.
Hi again, our West Coast Music friends…
I apologize for the length of time between posts! We’ve been in several cities since my last entry – Phoenix, Pebble Beach, Cabo San Lucas, New Jersey – and our wedding season is in full swing, so it has been quite a busy time in our office.
We just received an email from one of our past clients, Kristina Brittenham and Jesse Sisgold, who will be celebrating their one year anniversary this August! Our African Troupe and dance band, Side Effect, traveled to the beautiful bride’s family ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming last year and a fantastic time was had by all -including the band!
The music for the ceremony segment was provided by our dynamic African Troupe. Their rhythmic drum beats and melodic voices floated among the trees and delighted guests as they entered the outdoor ceremony area. When the beautiful ceremony that was conducted by the couple’s friend and yoga teacher had ended, the troupe led the guests to the Cocktail area where they continued to entertain the guests with their wonderful South African melodies.
A winding path through the property separated the ceremony and reception areas. At the end of the path, the guests made their way into the reception tent where Side Effect took the stage and kicked off the dinner segment with ambient, vibey tunes. A special treat for the guests, as well as the band, was the First Dance song selection. The bride’s sister had composed an original song that she sung, accompanied by the Side Effect musicians. The night air was filled with the soulful and high energy tunes that kept the guests dancing until midnight.
Thanks again, Kristina and Jesse, for including West Coast Music to be a part of your special day!
Pictures from the wedding on Martha Stewart’s website!
“You’re lovely…with your smile so warm.”
With the weather warming up in LA these past few days, it feels like it’s the perfect time to listen to your favorite tunes and crank up the volume on your stereo, enjoying the moment with the sun shining down. Warm weather music, music for romance, and even music that you play while you run, every song has a tag in your brain that enhances a feeling. Happiness, exhilaration, and sometimes even sadness. These little tags in your brain attach it to a memory and this is where we start when clients are looking for their First Dance song.
Often, the bride and groom have a special song request that has always been “Their Song”, but what if you and your love are song-less? Here are our suggestions on how to pick your First Dance song:
1) Standards – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, as well as many others in this era, have sung timeless melodies that are still beloved today. The songs from this era (popular music that originated before rock n’ roll) have remained popular and recognizable with later generations as TV and Film incorporated these classics in their soundtrack. “The Way You Look Tonight” (Featured in My Best Friend’s Wedding & Father of the Bride), “Unforgettable” (Made popular again in the 1990’s when Natalie Cole recorded a “duet” with her father, Nat King Cole), and “It Had to Be You” (When Harry Met Sally) are examples of songs in this era. Check out your favorite romantic comedy and you will more than likely hear at least one standard or a cover of the song in the soundtrack listing.
2) Dance numbers – Maybe you and your partner are hot on the dance floor and your First Dance is your opportunity to shine! Or maybe dancing isn’t exactly your forte, and you need the structure of choreo to help you through the 2 minutes on the dance floor. Either way, dance numbers are a lovely way to bond with your partner pre-wedding and give you the opportunity to choose a song that complements your style. Waltz numbers like, “Moonriver”, are beautiful and slow paced and make for easy dance numbers for both the dance aficionado and the beginner. If you’re feeling a little more brave, spicing up your dance with a hot latin tune, like the styles of a cha-cha, or a salsa, would definitely impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Keep in mind, as with all performances practice makes perfect, but most importantly, love how you move on the floor!
3) Love Ballad – Romantic lyrics and melodies of love ballads are seemingly built for First Dances. The steady rhythm and horn lines in “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontague make this song a great upbeat First Dance. “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison is another great rock classic that allows your bodies to sway slowly on the dance floor. R&B rhythms, like Brian McKnight’s version of “Crazy Love” fill your heart and soul and add a little groove to your step.
4) Do what you want to do! – Your song choice may not fit in any of the above categories, but if the song speaks to you and seems fitting for your First Dance, don’t be afraid to test it out! Take your husband/wife/partner by the hand and see if it feels right for both of you. Whatever you decide is the right one. It’s your day!
Hope everyone is enjoying the little spots of sunshine.
Until next time, Kristine
Brighter days to come!
Our online presence has changed dramatically in the past 8 months, thanks to our wonderful Webmaster, Ryan. We’re excited to finally add a blog to our services! We’ll report on our weekend events, give tips and answer questions about music for your events. We hope that you enjoy our postings and look forward to hearing from our past, present, and future West Coast Music clients. Even if you don’t fall in any of those categories, we welcome you to our little world where we provide music that connect your life’s best moments.
These past few weeks have been fantastically busy for us in the office. James Gang flew into the snowy city of Sun Valley, Idaho for the Cortese/Padalecki wedding. The dance floor was packed with the happy couple’s loved ones and while it was a cold outside, the James Gang had everyone breaking a sweat with the high energy dance tunes.
We head from the snowy mountains of Idaho to the sunny side of Florida the following week with Impulse. The band had been the headlining act at the Debartolo Family Foundation Charity Gala in Tampa and were joined by a fantastic string section and our soul vocal quartet from Side Effect. The orchestra started the night with beautiful instrumental melodies that kicked off the elegant affair and ended it with the guests wanting more from the spectacular band.
Both events were a blast and our biggest kudos to Taylor Sturges (Taylor’d Events – Hailey, Idaho) & Tiffani Packer (Tampa), event planners for orchestrating wonderful events.
Until next time!
Kristine
